July 30, 2025
Student-Athlete Alumni Spotlight | In Collaboration with the 2027 Project
Nelson University proudly spotlights Dareny Sims, a 2020 graduate whose impact as a student-athlete has grown into a legacy of mentorship, and purpose.
A native of Cedar Hill, Texas, Sims earned his degree in Business Sports Management with a minor in Mathematics while playing four years with the Nelson University Men's Basketball team. A two-time Sooner Athletic Conference Champion in 2018 and 2020, Sims was a consistent defensive anchor and earned All-Defensive Team and Academic Honors. More than stats and accolades, Dareny was a spiritual leader in the locker room wielding the tile as someone teammates looked to for encouragement and wisdom.
Today, Sims continues to make his mark as a Mathematics and Science Teacher at Village Tech Schools in Duncanville, Texas, where he also serves as the Head Coach of the Boys' Basketball Team. In just four years at the varsity level, he has already carved out program history by leading Village Tech to its first-ever UIL playoff win in any sport and orchestrating one of the strongest turnarounds in 3A Region II District 9.
Beyond his school leadership, Sims remains deeply invested in youth development. He serves as a Youth Church Basketball League Director and AAU Program Director/Coach, using the game of basketball as a platform to shape young lives with character and unwavering faith.
This spotlight is part of our ongoing 2027 Project, celebrating 100 years of Spirit-empowered leadership at Nelson University.
Find out more about the 2027 Project at: https://www.nelson.edu/advancement/project-2027/
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
